Mum misses dream trip due to torn passport

A MUM says she has been left utterly heartbroken after missing out on a Christmas holiday of a lifetime' to Lapland due to a rip in her passport.

- CHRIS SLATER

Claire Page says she broke down in tears and collapsed to the ground in despair after being told in the queue at Manchester Airport that she would not be able to board with her husband and two children.

The 37-year-old from Bolton says she has travelled using the document at least half a dozen times and 'never thought it would be an issue.' Beautician Claire, from Farnworth, booked the three night festive stay in northern Finland a year ago as a surprise for her husband, car salesman Justin, 39, and two sons Ashton, 11, and Grayson, seven. The TUI package included a stay at the Snowflake Hotel, a reindeer sleigh ride, a snowmobile ride with huskies and a visit to see Santa.